Weekend comes early as power cut shuts down Soho

Soho was plunged into gloom this afternoon when a power cut hit the West End.

Workers lost email access and diners ate in the dark as the area was left without electricity.

BBC Formula One commentator Jake Humphrey was one of several people affected, asking on Twitter: "How in 2011 can the whole of Soho have a power cut?"

Others celebrated an early end to the week as firms announced disruption caused by the blackout.Christmas shoppers were also hit on one of the busiest shopping days of the year as the power cut hit Regent Street and the Carnaby Street.

UK Power Networks said it was working to fix the problem after a "fault occurred" at 12.50pm. "We understand how much inconvenience this is causing," a spokesman said.